USC Football Recruiting: Top out-of-State 2015 Prospects Trojans Are Targeting

USC Football Recruiting: Top out-of-State 2015 Prospects Trojans Are Targeting

With California being exceptionally deep with talented recruits this year, USC figures to have a banner recruiting cycle. However, if people have learned one thing about the Trojans' recruiting methods, it's that they love targeting out-of-state prospects.

States such as Florida, Georgia, Texas, Arizona, Ohio, Kentucky, Arizona, Washington and New Jersey have been raided in the past by coaches from Troy. New head coach Steve Sarkisian is not going to change much of USC's recruiting approach, so the Trojans staff will once again be balancing its time around the Golden State with pounding the pavement outside its backyard.

A receiver in the desert has the speed and quickness that USC covets, while a defensive end in Illinois likes the idea of playing in Los Angeles. Also, the Sunshine State has several prospects who have caught Sarkisian's eye.

Damien Harris, RB

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Damien Harris is a 5-star running back from Kentucky who is light on his feet. The 5'11", 205-pounder has the agility to dance around defenders in tight space, plus he shows great speed in the open field.

Harris, who was once committed to Michigan, has USC on his trail. However, while USC wouldn't shock many by getting him to take a trip to Troy, it's still hard to imagine him signing with the Trojans.

Michigan and Ohio State are his top suitors, while 247Sports also mentions Auburn and Kentucky as key schools.

Tarvarus McFadden, DB

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As one of the most intriguing recruits in the country, Tarvarus McFadden has rare size for a cornerback at 6'3", 198 pounds.

The Florida native has great athleticism and cover skills. He isn't tight in the hips, plus he does an impressive job of getting his hands on balls.

The Trojans would love to add him to their secondary, as his ability to also play safety makes him a coveted recruit. Yet, they'll face stiff competition from many schools such as LSU, Florida State, Georgia and Florida, according to 247Sports.

George Campbell, WR

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A 5-star athlete, George Campbell will more than likely play receiver in college. The Florida native is a playmaker on the perimeter who possesses outstanding speed on a 6'3", 184-pound frame.

His solid ball skills and athleticism would also help him become a great free safety, but he belongs on the offensive side of the ball.

While he's a big target for USC, Campbell signing with the Trojans is hard to see coming to fruition. Clemson and Florida are his leaders, per 247Sports.

CeCe Jefferson, DE

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CeCe Jefferson would be a terrific fit in USC's new hybrid 4-3/3-4 defensive scheme. He's a versatile defensive end who can play standing up on the edge, as well as work as a defensive tackle on passing downs.

Jefferson, who is another Florida recruit that USC is targeting, is 6'2" and 250 pounds. He has solid strength to set the edge versus running plays, plus he displays a quick first step at the snap to rush the passer.

The Trojans will stay on him as long as they can, but it would be surprising if the 5-star defender didn't sign with Florida.

Cordell Broadus, WR

At 6'2" and 195 pounds, he is fast and deceptively strong on the perimeter. He releases quickly off the line, plus he separates from cornerbacks well at junctions.

Broadus has a quick upfield transfer after the catch, which allows him to use his speed and quickness to skate past defenders to the end zone. A host of schools will be after him, but his recruitment will almost certainly come down to USC and UCLA.

Terry Beckner Jr., DE

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Hailing from Illinois, 5-star defensive end Terry Beckner Jr. is a terrific edge-defender who can be effective versus the run and pass.

At 6'4" and 268 pounds, he is an explosive pass-rusher who can work his way around blockers on the edge to finish on the quarterback.

He has strong hands, although he needs to polish his technique. He has good quickness and athleticism, which help him play with great range and pursue the ball.

He told Mike Matya of HuskerOnline.com (subscription required) that he was a USC fan growing up. LSU is also another school to watch, per 247Sports, but many schools will attempt to make an impression on Beckner.

Christian Kirk, WR

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A 5-star receiver, Christian Kirk is a weapon on offense. He can be used in the slot, on the perimeter, as a running back and even as a Wildcat quarterback.

Kirk, who is from Arizona, also is a dangerous return man. The 5'10", 195-pounder has fantastic speed, quickness and explosiveness with the ball. He is an adequate route-runner, but his talent is maximized after the catch.

He has the vision and cutting ability of a running back, plus he's elusive in the open field. He likely will remain a huge priority for USC until next February, but 247Sports lists schools such as Alabama, Oregon, Florida State and Ohio State as also on his trail.

Rob Cassidy of Rivals.com(subscription required) said this about Kirk: "He plans to narrow his list down to 10 schools prior to the start of his senior season, so his run of offseason unofficial visits will factor heavily into his recruitment."

Edwin Weathersby is the College Football Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. He has worked in scouting/player personnel departments for three professional football teams, including the New York Giants and Cleveland Browns.